Prepare to witness a rare celestial event as a ‘super blue moon’ graces the skies over the UK tonight. This magnificent occurrence, which won’t repeat for another 14 years, has already captivated sky watchers across the globe. Photographers have captured breathtaking images of the moon appearing larger and brighter as it hovers above various landmarks.
A supermoon happens when the Moon reaches its perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit closest to Earth. This proximity makes it appear about 14 percent larger and radiate a touch more brightness compared to when it is at its furthest point. The exact moment when a Full Moon opposes the Sun, known as the Full Moon phase, is scheduled to take place at 1.36am GMT (9.36pm ET) on Thursday, as confirmed by NASA.
Sharing in the excitement of stargazers, NASA expressed its enthusiasm on Twitter, stating, ‘The Moon is doing the most: It’s a Super Blue Moon!’ However, it’s important to note that despite the name, the moon will not actually have a blue hue. The term ‘blue moon’ is used when two full moons appear in a single month, with the Sturgeon Moon occurring on August 1.
Lunar cycles, lasting approximately 29.5 days, are slightly shorter than calendar months, which can span 30 or 31 days. This discrepancy allows for the coincidence of one full moon at the start of a month and another at the end. Thus, the expression ‘once in a blue moon’ has origins dating back centuries, implying something exceptionally rare or outlandish.
Although the moon won’t exhibit a blue coloration this time, it is possible for it to appear blue under specific circumstances. Smoke or dust particles in the atmosphere can scatter red wavelengths of light, which results in a blue hue. This phenomenon was observed globally for nearly two years following the eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia in 1883. Similarly, the Chinchaga Firestorm in Canada after 1950’s caused dust that potentially led to a blue moon effect.
To fully enjoy and appreciate the supermoon, consider the following tips: find a location with a high vantage point for an unobstructed view of the night sky and the moonrise; turn off indoor lights to enhance visibility; select a night with clear skies for optimal stargazing; and enhance your experience by downloading Star Chart, an augmented reality app, on AR-enabled Apple or Android devices.
Notably, the planet Saturn will be in close proximity to the moon during this time, making for an even more captivating celestial sight. Additionally, Wednesday’s full moon coincides with the Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between siblings. Traditionally, sisters tie a rakhi, a cotton bracelet, on their brother’s wrist, and in return, brothers give a gift.
The phenomenon of a supermoon is a result of the moon nearly coinciding with its perigee. This can cause the moon to appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter compared to its farthest position from Earth. Typically, there are three to four supermoons per year, occurring at various times. Supermoons are essentially full moons that are more spectacular due to their size and brightness.
The Sturgeon Moon is named after the large number of sturgeon fish found in the Great Lakes region of North America during this time. Each full moon of the year corresponds to a different nickname, rooted in historical traditions and tied to nature. These names were historically used to track the seasons. For example, January is the Wolf Moon, February is the Snow Moon, March is the Worm Moon, and so on.
As you prepare to witness the breathtaking super blue moon and capture its beauty through photographs, remember to cherish family bonds, let go of grudges, and to wish for a good year ahead. It’s important to note that while the supermoon will provide stunning photo opportunities, its stronger gravitational pull can also result in higher tides, which may exacerbate coastal flooding during Hurricane Idalia’s passage through Florida.
In conclusion, the super blue moon presents a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event that has already delighted sky watchers worldwide. Its larger size and enhanced brightness make it a truly mesmerizing sight. So, find a prime viewing location, turn off unnecessary lights, and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the super blue moon.
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